Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament in an apparent effort to force through a no-deal Brexit has been met with fierce opposition online.
On Twitter, the hashtag #StopTheCoup trended as critics decried the governments move as undemocratic and unconstitutional. By mid-afternoon nearly 400,000 people had signed a petition urging for parliament not to be suspended – which, perversely, means it must be debated in parliament.
Our unelected PM Boris Johnson is asking her Majesty the Queen to shut down Parliament for a month so he can force through a version of Brexit that he swore would never happen and which most people don't want.#StopTheCouphttps://t.co/aSiS4OY4rq pic.twitter.com/C47lc1NK09
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) August 28, 2019
Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn was scathing of Mr Johnson and said his Labour Party would work with MPs to block the government move.
Boris Johnson’s attempt to suspend parliament to avoid scrutiny of his plans for a reckless No Deal Brexit is an outrage and a threat to our democracy.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 28, 2019
Labour will work across Parliament to hold the government to account and prevent a disastrous No Deal.
Rory Stewart, the former Conservative leadership contender who built his innovative campaign online and with the hashtag #RoryWalks, said a no-deal Brexit would be “damaging, divisive and unnecessary.”
The best and indeed only solution to Brexit remains a compromise. Parliament should not be suspended. I will vote against a no-deal Brexit because it would be damaging, divisive and unnecessary. We can do much better. Looking forward to seeing some of you in Sunderland at 2 pic.twitter.com/V9fRqRkwmZ
— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) August 28, 2019
Three cabinet ministers met with Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, the British monarch's Scottish residence, to officially request the suspension of parliament. The delegation was led by Jacob Rees-Mogg in his capacity as Lord President of the Privy Council and footage emerged of him at Aberdeen Airport after his meeting with the Queen. He is often mocked for his seemingly antiquated viewpoints and turns of phrases, and is a staunch defender of the monarchy.
Jacob Rees-Mogg arriving at Aberdeen airport having met with the Queen at Balmoral. pic.twitter.com/aMtAPZ31Yj
— Fraser Nicoll (@FraserNicoll) August 28, 2019
The debate brought out important parliamentary phrases and procedures, including the much used word "prorogue", which began trending.
Parliament is to be officially prorogued – or suspended – until mid-October. Labour MP David Lammy took aim at senior government ministers who had previously vigorously argued against such a move.
.@MattHancock Prorouging parliament "goes against everything those men who waded onto those beaches fought and died for".
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) August 28, 2019
@AmberRuddHR "I think it's outrageous to consider proroguing Parliament. We are not Stuart kings."
Surely both must put country before ambition and resign.
Westminster will formally begin its business again on October 14 with the Queen’s Speech, when the government sets out its upcoming programme of legislation.
Pro-Brexit groups came out in support of the move as the no-deal Brexit they desire appeared more likely.
BREAKING | Boris is set to ask the Queen to suspend Parliament until October 14, paving the way for a new Queen's Speech - and preventing the Brexit-wrecking Remoaners from blocking a WTO Brexit. Finally, a PM who is willing to step up and defend the will of the British people!
— Leave.EU (@LeaveEUOfficial) August 28, 2019
I look forward to a new session of Parliament with a positive Queens speech to take advantage of the money and freedoms we gain by leaving the EU.
— John Redwood (@johnredwood) August 28, 2019
Opposition and anti-no-deal MPs have said they will stay seated and pursue a people's parliament.
If Boris shuts down Parliament to carry out his No-Deal Brexit, I and other MPs will defend democracy.
— Clive Lewis MP (@labourlewis) August 28, 2019
The police will have to remove us from the chamber. We will call on people to take to the streets.
We will call an extraordinary session of Parliament. #PeoplesParliament
The furore even dragged the US President Donald Trump. The prolific tweeter lent his support to Mr Johnson, who he said was "exactly what the UK has been looking for".
